3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-18s will look to maintain top spot of the Premier League – North table as they face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, kick-off 11am.
Last time out the Under-18s defeated the league’s bottom side, Sunderland, 1-0 away from home at the Academy of Light.
The only goal of the game came during the first-half when a free-kick was floated dangerously into the Mackems’ box, the defenders failed to clear which allowed Archie Brown to spin and slam home.
Brown’s tidy finish remained the game’s sole goal despite the Rams’ best efforts, in the second-half Justin Walker’s side saw a goal-bound effort cleared off the line and two further efforts deflect off the crossbar.
The victory in the North East ensured that Derby remained three points clear at the top of the Premier League – North table after Saturday’s results.
Liverpool then had the chance to regain top spot on Wednesday night, however a 3-3 draw with West Brom leaves the Reds trailing by two points and Derby with a game in hand.
Walker’s side face Liverpool’s Wednesday night opponents on Saturday and the Baggies currently sit 10th in the league table, having collected 12 points from 17 games.
Stanley Asomugha, Harry Williams and Louie Barry were all on the scoresheet for Albion in midweek, but a 90th minute equaliser from Liverpool’s Yasser Larouci ensured a share of the spoils.
In Saturday’s reverse fixture back in October, Derby were 5-1 victors at the WBA Training Ground.
The Rams had found themselves a goal down at half-time, however five second-half goals from five separate scorers; Jayden Charles, Liam Thompson, Morgan Whittaker, Jason Knight and Jack Stretton, sealed all three points.
Kick-off on Saturday at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby is at 11am.
Words by Andrew Haines
